Cat Zingano, UFC fighter, discusses how she has coped with her husband’s suicide with Clayton Chau, M.D.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and affects people of all ages, races and backgrounds. Given that suicide has surged to the highest levels in nearly 30 years, finding someone affected by it is, unfortunately, not difficult.

In this interview, UFC fighter Cat Zingano discusses her husband’s suicide three years ago and how it has affected her and her son. Assisted by Clayton Chau, M.D., Ph.D., the regional executive medical director for mental health and wellness for St. Joseph Hoag Health, Zingano talked about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, coping with the difficult and distinct grief of this tragedy, and the importance of recognizing warning signs.

During the interview, Zingano asked Dr. Chau about the scope of the problem and resources available to help people affected by severe depression. Dr. Chau wanted to provide more detailed answers in hopes of helping others. Read on to find out what he has to say.

How common is suicide?

Each year, almost 45,000 Americans die by suicide. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.

For every suicide there are 25 attempts.

Suicide costs the U.S. $44 billion annually.

On average, 121 people die by suicide each day, one person every 12 minutes.

Firearms account for almost 50 percent of all suicides.

White males accounted for 7 out of 10 suicides in 2015.

While males are four times more likely than females to die by suicide, but females attempt suicide three times as often as males.

While still low, there is an alarming increase in suicides among girls aged 10 to 14; the suicide rate for these girls has tripled in the last decade.

Many suicide attempts go unreported or untreated. Surveys suggest that at least 1 million people in the U.S. engage in intentionally inflicted self-harm each year.

What are the most common risk factors in those contemplating suicide?

Suicide does not discriminate by age, race, gender, culture, how much money you make or how you were raised. It affects all people, including those in high-profile industries such as entertainment. This is why it’s important to focus on what a person says or does and keep an eye out for any risk factors or warning signs. Some of the most common signs are:

What are some of the myths associated with suicide?

There’s still a lot of stigma and misunderstanding associated with suicide and, despite outreach and education, myths persist:

Myth: Suicide is caused by an overreaction to life events, or an act of revenge.

Reality: Suicide is never simply the result of one single cause, like ending a relationship or losing a job. It is caused by many complex factors. Most people who kill themselves do so because of their own personal suffering, not to cause harm to others. Remember, suicide is not “simple.”

Myth: Suicides happen without warning.

Reality: Most people who attempt or die by suicide have communicated their distress or plans to at least one person. These communications are not always direct, so it’s important to know some of the key warning signs of suicide. When looking back, there are often many missed warning signs.

Myth: Talking about suicide will plant the idea in someone’s mind and make him or her more likely to commit suicide.

Reality: Talking about suicide is often the only way to prevent it. It provides an opportunity to express painful thoughts and feelings that a person may have been keeping to themselves. Discussion brings these feelings into the open and creates an opportunity for intervention and connection to professional help. Only then can someone begin to heal.

Myth: Suicide can’t be prevented. When people make up their minds to kill themselves, there’s nothing you can do.

Reality: Most people thinking about suicide want help to stay alive, and find ways (often indirect) to invite help from others. Everyone can learn how to help someone who may be thinking about suicide.

What should you do if you think someone might be suicidal?

The most important thing you can do is listen to the person and ask questions.

Key questions to ask include:

Are you thinking of hurting yourself (committing suicide)?

How long have you been thinking about suicide (frequency, intensity, duration)?

Do you have a plan? Get specific information if there is a plan.

Do you have the means to carry out the plan (access to weapons, pills, drugs, etc.)?

Have you attempted suicide before? Has anyone in your family committed suicide?

Is there anything or anyone to stop you (religious beliefs, children left behind, pets, etc.)?

If you think the person needs further assistance, next steps can include:

Reducing access to convenient means of suicide, such as toxic substances and handguns

Reducing the doses in packages of medicines, such as aspirin and opioids

Interventions targeted at high-risk groups

Increasing community supports for at-risk families

What is the most critical contact information to have available in a case of depression or for someone contemplating suicide?

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 or text to 838255

Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center: 877-727-4747

The Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ youths: 866-488-7386 or tweet to @TrevorProject

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Providence St. Joseph Health is investing in an Institute for Mental Health and Wellness to address the growing mental health crisis in the U.S. and identify and advance innovative solutions. The organization has identified several core areas of focus and made an initial investment of $100 million to support advances in behavioral health, including awareness, diagnosis and treatment.

Providence St. Joseph would like to thank Cat for being a paid partner with us on this important topic.

Providence is pleased to share the stories of great people who have overcome health conditions. As part of our population health program, we want to share insights and stories that help bring awareness to common health conditions. Not all the people featured in our stories are Providence patients.

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